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It has and always will be a pious and holy practice to pray for the repose of the souls who have passed on to the next life. However, in the past few decades the occurrence of prayers said for the souls in purgatory and their blessed repose have fallen into such disuse that such a lack of charity for their souls is an atrocity. For generations, Catholics would pray for the souls of the faithful who have gone before them in the sleep of death and hope in the future resurrection.

In this lesson we outline the various Catholic Devotions for the Dead. You as a member of the Catholic Church on earth (i.e. The Church Militant) have a solemn duty to pray for souls in purgatory (i.e. The Church Suffering). As this month slowly draws to a close we shall in the not too distant future arrive at the month of November, traditionally devoted to praying for the dead. However, these prayers and devotions should not only be prayed in November.

It is a traditional and pious practice with references not only in the Magesterium of the Church but also through the Holy Scriptures. As stated in the holy book of Maccabees: "It is a holy and a wholesome thought to pray for the dead, that they may be loosed from sins." (2 Maccabees 12:46). In 230 A.D., Tertullian writes, "The widow who does not pray for her dead husband has as good as divorced him."

Unfortunately, the sacred in many ways has become too common and ordinary so that we fail - when encountering holy things - to stand in the awe appropriate for the situation. In much the same manner, we have become accustomed to the three letters R.I.P on the headstones of those who have died; yet, few of us adequately understand the liturgical connection of these three simple letters to the Mass said for the repose of their souls.

The expression R.I.P, despite modern understandings, does not stand for "rest in peace" but instead represents the Latin phrase "requiescat in pace", who English equivalent is coincidentally "rest in peace". These three holy letters were not formerly placed on the tombstones of all of the departed or even all "Christians" but only on the tombstones of Catholics who have departed. The phrase "requiescat in pace" is taken from the final prayers of the priest at the place of burial: Anima eius et animae omnium fidelium defunctorum per Dei misericordiam requiescant in pace whose English equivalent is May his soul and the souls of all the departed faithful by God's mercy rest in peace.

The letters RIP first appeared in the 8th century although it did not become common on the tombstones of Catholics until the 18th century. The Roman catacombs bear witness to prayers for the dead since many prayers for the dead are preserved on the tombs of the departed (e.g. Mayst thou live among the saints, 3rd century). The phrase refers not to our wish for their bodies to live peacefully in the ground but our prayer that their souls may be forgiven by Christ the Judge and found worthy - after the necessary purification - to enter into Heavenly beatitude. Namely, we pray that the souls of the departed shall one day be worthy for beatitude - to behold the face of God in Heaven.

Consequently, it should be viewed as a pious and humble practice to frequently visit the cemeteries and pray for the dead. And surely, when you see the letters R.I.P you should pray for the salvation of the departed. Recall that our prayers are outside of time so do not fail in praying for the dead because you assume that you are "too late". Rather, your prayers offered in a humble and contrite spirit pay the price of the departed's sins and free their souls from purgatory (c.f. Mt. 5:48, Mt. 5:26, Mt. 12:32, 1 Cor. 15:29, 1 Tim. 1:16). It is in this instance that your prayers have truly saved a soul.

Judgment

Memling's Day of Judgement, 1467-1471

The holy Church solemnly teaches that there shall be two Judgments: the Private Judgment and the Final Judgment, which will occur at the End of Time.

The Last Judgment is also called General Judgment. This occurs at the very end of the world, when our Blessed Lord comes again to Judge the living and dead (i.e. inde venturus est iudicare vivos et mortuos) as we profess in the Creed of our Faith. At that time, our Saviour will appear in the Heavens and He will judge everyone, both the living and dead. Now you may wonder, would He change His mind about whether we go to Heaven or Hell if He already passed Judgment on us at our Particular Judgment? No, He’ll say again where everyone is going, but this time it will be public. All of the good and bad that we did in our lives will be made clear to everyone.

And I saw the dead, great and small, standing in the presence of the throne, and the books were opened; and another book was opened, which is the book of life; and the dead were judged by those things which were written in the books, according to their works. And the sea gave up the dead that were in it, and death and hell gave up their dead that were in them; and they were judged every one according to their works. And hell and death were cast into the pool of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life, was cast into the pool of fire.

Book of Apocalypse (i.e. Revelations) 20:12-15

The Catholic Church teaches that at the time of the last judgment Christ will come in his glory, and all the angels with him, and in his presence the truth of each man's relationship with God will be laid bare, and each person who has ever lived will be judged with perfect justice. Those already in heaven will remain in heaven; those already in hell will remain in hell; and those in purgatory will be released into heaven. After the last judgment the universe itself will be renewed with a new heaven and a new earth.

Catholics have always believed that Jesus Christ would come back to close the current period of human history in earth. This event is not to be confused with the Particular Judgment. The time when Jesus will return is given many names: the Day of the Lord, the Parousia, the end time, and the Second Coming of Christ. The Bible describes the events of Jesus' return in apocalyptic images.

The parousia will be unmistakable because it will be accompanied by unprecedented signs: "For just as lightning comes from the east and is seen as far as the west, so will the coming of the Son of Man be" (Matthew 24:27). Some signs are general events concerning the evangelization of the world: "And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached throughout the world as a witness to all nations, and then the end will come" (Matthew 24:14).

Other signs are more proximate. Mark (Chapter 13), Matthew (Chapter 24), and Luke (Chapter 21) all describe the unmistakable signs with apocalyptic images.

But understand this: there will be terrifying times in the last days. People will be self-centered and lovers of money, proud, haughty, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, irreligious, callous, implacable, slanderous, licentious, brutal, hating what is good, traitors, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, as they make a pretense of religion but deny its power. Reject them. (2 Timothy 3:1-5)

(Jesus began his discourse ...) "But of that day or hour, no one knows, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father" (Mark 13:32)

"For you yourselves know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief at night" (1 Thessalonians 5:2)

"But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a mighty roar and the elements will be dissolved by fire, and the earth and everything done on it will be found out" (2 Peter 3:10)

The Catholic Church teaches that we should avoid pointless speculations about the time, the details of the signs, the nature of the difficulties, etc. The Church focuses instead on the need for living the Gospel so as to be prepared for the parousia whenever it happens.

Therefore, gird up the loins of your mind, live soberly, and set your hopes completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Like obedient children, do not act in compliance with the desires of your former ignorance but, as he who called you is holy, be holy yourselves in every aspect of your conduct, for it is written, "Be holy because I (am) holy" (Peter 1:13-16).

There exists among many Evangelical Protestants a popular but false dogma based on some passages in the Bible called millennialism which means a "thousand year reign." The basis for millennialism is found in the Book of Revelation.

This feast, dating back to the 11th Century, is a time to remember all of the faithfully depart and pray that they are now in the grace of God. God certainly is Love and He is mercy. The only thing we can do is trust in Him and pray for our loved ones.

In the middle of the 11th century, St. Odilo, the abbot of Cluny (France), said that all Cluniac monasteries were to offer special prayers and sing the Office for the Dead on November 2, the day after the feast of All Saints. The custom spread from Cluny and was was adopted throughout the entire Roman Catholic Church. Now we the entire Church celebrates November 2nd as All Soul's Day.

During the First World War, Pope Benedict XV on August 10, 1915, allowed all priests everywhere to say three Masses on All Souls' Day. The two extra Masses were in no way to benefit the priest himself: one was to be offered for all the faithful departed, the other for the Pope's intentions, which at that time were presumed to be for all the victims of that war. The permission remains.

O God, the Creator and Redeemer fo all the faithful: grant to the souls of Thy servants and handmaidens the remission of all their sins: that through pious supplications, they may obtain pardon which they always desired.

Brethern: Behold, I tell you a mystery. We shall all indeed rise again: but we shall not all be changed. In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall rise again incorruptible: and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption; and this mortal must put on immortality. And when this mortal hath put on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy victory? O death, where is thy sting? Now the sting of death is sin: and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who hath given us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Absolve, O Lord, the souls of all the faithful departed from every bond od sin. And by the help of Thy grace my they be enabled to escape the avenging judgment. And enjoy the bliss of everlasting light.

At that time, Jesus said to the multitudes of the Jews: Amen, amen I say unto you, that the hour cometh, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God, and they that hear shall live. For as the Father hath life in himself, so he hath given the Son also to have life in himself: And he hath given him power to do judgment, because he is the Son of man. Wonder not at this; for the hour cometh, wherein all that are in the graves shall hear the voice of the Son of God. And they that have done good things, shall come forth unto the resurrection of life; but they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of judgment.

O Lord Jesus Christ, King of glory, deliver to souls fo all the faithful departed from the pains of hell and from the bottomless pit: deliver them from the lion's mouth, that hell swallow them not up, that they fall no into darkness, but let the standard bearer holy Michael lead them into that light: * Which Thou didst promise of old Abraham and to his seed. We offer to Thee, O Lord, sacrifices and prayers: do Thou receive them in behalf of those souls f who we make memorial this day. Grant them , O Lord, to pass from death to that life, * Which Thou didst promise to old to Abraham and his seed.

Mercifully regard, we beseech Thee, O Lord, the Sacrifice which we offer Thee for the souls of Thy servants and handmaidens: that to those to whom Thou didst grant the favor of the Christian Faith Thou wouldst also grant due reward. Through our Lord.

It it truly meet and just, right and for our salvation, that we should at all times, and in all places, give thanks to Thee, holy Lord, Father almighty, eternal God, through Christ our Lord: in Whom the hope of a blessed resurrections heath beamed upon us: so that those who are saddened by the certainty of dying to Thy faithful people, Lord, life is changed, not taken away; and when the home of this earthly sojorn is dissolved, an enternal dwelling is made ready in heaven. And therefore with Angels and Archangels, with Thrones and Dominations, and with all the hosts of the heavenly army, we sing a hymn to Thy praise, evermore saying.

May the prayer for Thy suppliant people, we beseech Thee, O Lord, avail the souls of Thy servants and handmaidens: that Thou mayest deliver them from all their sins and make them sharers in Thy Redemptions: Who livest and reignest.

O God, the Creator and Redeemer of all the faithful: grant to the souls of Thy servants and handmaidens the remission of all their sins: that through pious supplications, they may obtain pardon which they always desired.

In those days: The most valiant man Judas, making a gathering, he sent twelve thousand drachms of silver to Jerusalem for sacrifice to be offered for the sins of the dead, thinking well and religiously concerning the resurrection, (For if he had not hoped that they that were slain should rise again, it would have seemed superfluous and vain to pray for the dead); And because he considered that they who had fallen asleep with godliness, had great grace laid up for them. It is therefore a holy and wholesome thought to pray for the dead, that they may be loosed from sins.

Absolve, O Lord, the souls of all the faithful departed from every bond od sin. And by the help of Thy grace my they be enabled to escape the avenging judgment. And enjoy the bliss of everlasting light.

At that time, Jesus said to the multitudes of the Jews: All that the Father giveth to me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me, I will not cast out. Because I came down from heaven, not to do my own will, but the will of him that sent me. Now this is the will of the Father who sent me: that of all that he hath given me, I should lose nothing; but should raise it up again in the last day. And this is the will of my Father that sent me: that every one who seeth the Son, and believeth in him, may have life everlasting, and I will raise him up in the last day.

O Lord Jesus Christ, King of glory, deliver to souls fo all the faithful departed from the pains of hell and from the bottomless pit: deliver them from the lion's mouth, that hell swallow them not up, that they fall no into darkness, but let the standard bearer holy Michael lead them into that light: * Which Thou didst promise of old Abraham and to his seed. We offer to Thee, O Lord, sacrifices and prayers: do Thou receive them in behalf of those souls f who we make memorial this day. Grant them , O Lord, to pass from death to that life, * Which Thou didst promise to old to Abraham and his seed.

It it truly meet and just, right and for our salvation, that we should at all times, and in all places, give thanks to Thee, holy Lord, Father almighty, eternal God, through Christ our Lord: in Whom the hope of a blessed resurrections heath beamed upon us: so that those who are saddened by the certainty of dying to Thy faithful people, Lord, life is changed, not taken away; and when the home of this earthly sojorn is dissolved, an enternal dwelling is made ready in heaven. And therefore with Angels and Archangels, with Thrones and Dominations, and with all the hosts of the heavenly army, we sing a hymn to Thy praise, evermore saying.

O God, Giver of pardon, and Lover of the salvation of mankind, we beseech Thy mercy, that through the intercession of blessed Mary ever Virgin and of all the Saints, Thou wouldst grant to the souls of Thy servants and handmaidens, who have passed out of this life, the fellowship of everlasting bliss. Through our Lord.

In those days: I heard a voice from heaven, saying to me: Write: Blessed are the dead, who die in the Lord. From henceforth now, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; for their works follow them.

Absolve, O Lord, the souls of all the faithful departed from every bond od sin. And by the help of Thy grace my they be enabled to escape the avenging judgment. And enjoy the bliss of everlasting light.

At that time, Jesus said to the multitudes of the Jews: I am the living bread which came down from heaven. If any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever; and the bread that I will give, is my flesh, for the life of the world. The Jews therefore strove among themselves, saying: How can this man give us his flesh to eat? Then Jesus said to them: Amen, amen I say unto you: Except you eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, you shall not have life in you. He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath everlasting life: and I will raise him up in the last day.

O Lord Jesus Christ, King of glory, deliver to souls fo all the faithful departed from the pains of hell and from the bottomless pit: deliver them from the lion's mouth, that hell swallow them not up, that they fall no into darkness, but let the standard bearer holy Michael lead them into that light: * Which Thou didst promise of old Abraham and to his seed. We offer to Thee, O Lord, sacrifices and prayers: do Thou receive them in behalf of those souls f who we make memorial this day. Grant them , O Lord, to pass from death to that life, * Which Thou didst promise to old to Abraham and his seed.

O God, Whose mercies are without number, graciously receive our humbly prayers, and through these Sacraments of our salvation, grant to the souls so all the faithful departed, to whom Thou gavest grace to acknowledge Thee, the remission of all their sins. Through our Lord.

It it truly meet and just, right and for our salvation, that we should at all times, and in all places, give thanks to Thee, holy Lord, Father almighty, eternal God, through Christ our Lord: in Whom the hope of a blessed resurrections heath beamed upon us: so that those who are saddened by the certainty of dying to Thy faithful people, Lord, life is changed, not taken away; and when the home of this earthly sojorn is dissolved, an enternal dwelling is made ready in heaven. And therefore with Angels and Archangels, with Thrones and Dominations, and with all the hosts of the heavenly army, we sing a hymn to Thy praise, evermore saying.

Grant, we beseech Thee, almighty and merciful God: that the souls of Thy servants and handmaidens, for whom we have offered to Thy Majesty this Sacrifice of praise, may be freed by the power of this Sacrament from all their sins, and through Thy mercy receive the bliss of eternal light. Through our Lord.

I would like to draw particular attention to the catafalque as many readers are most likely unfamiliar with this item. A catafalque is a raised bier or platform that is used to support the casket, coffin, or body of the deceased during a funeral or memorial service. Following the Requiem Mass, a catafalque may be used to stand in place of the body at the Absolution of the dead. For this reason, it is often used on All Souls Day. It is also used in Requiem Masses and always includes the black pall and six tall candles.

Photo taken by Bro. Lawrence Lew, O.P. on the occasion of the Requiem Mass of Dr. Mary Berry via NLM

When we think of praying for the dead many of us think of a funeral Mass. For this lesson, we focus in a particular way on the Traditional Rite of the Roman Liturgy and the Funeral Mass in the context of the 1962 Missal. We begin though with an important distinct. All Catholics should have a Catholic funeral and should be buried in a Catholic cemetery; however, there are some further clarifications from Canon Law worthy of iterating.

Limits are placed on public offering of Mass for the unbaptised and notorious sinners although prayers and even Mass in private can be said for them. The present Code of Canon Law states that, unless the person concerned gave some signs of repentance before death, no form of funeral Mass may be offered for notorious apostates, heretics and schismatics; those who for anti-Christian motives chose that their bodies be cremated; and other manifest sinners to whom a Church funeral could not be granted without public scandal to the faithful (c.f. Canon 1184)

We also highly encourage you to pray for the repose of the souls of your friends and relatives on the day of death, day of burial, 3rd day after burial, 7th day after burial, 30th day after burial, and on the anniversary of death/burial. Please pray the Office of the Dead (which is available online) in the 1955 Breviary for that purpose.

Mass on the Day of Death or on the Day of Burial

Black

A Mass for the Dead has many features which distinguish it from others. These are in part reminiscences of otherwise obsolete liturgical customs, and are in part suggested by the mournful character of the rite. Thus, incense is not burned at the Introit and at the Gospel; the psalm Judica me Deus... is omitted; the kiss of peace is omitted; the deacon chanting the Gospel is not accompanied by the usual acolytes bearing candles, and no blessing is given.

The bier is set in the middle of the church with the feet of the body to the altar (with the head to the altar if a priest). The Office of the Dead is then recited in whole or in part, and after that the Requiem Mass is said.

Mass

The Iudica Me, Deus is omitted.

INTROIT

The priest makes the Sign of the Cross on the Missal, rather than crossing himself.

O God, whose property is ever to have mercy and to spare, we humbly entreat Thee on behalf of the soul of Thy servant (or handmaid) N., whom Thou hast bidden this day to pass out of this world: that Thou wouldst not deliver him (or her) into the hands of the enemy nor forget him (or her) for ever, but command him (or her) to be taken up by the holy Angels, and to be borne to our home in paradise, that as he (or she) had put his (or her) faith and hope in Thee he (or she) may not undergo the pains of hell but may possess everlasting joys. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, who liveth and reigneth with Thee, in the unity . . .

EPISTLE ¤ Thes. 4. 13-18
Lesson from the Epistle of Blessed Paul the Apostle to the Thessalonians.Lecio Epistolae beati Pauli Apostoli ad Thessalonicenses.[St. Paul treats of the resurrection of the world.]

Brethren: We will not have you ignorant concerning them that are asleep, that you be not sorrowful, even as others who have no hope; for if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them who have slept through Jesus, will God bring with Him. For this we say unto you in the word of the Lord, that we who are alive, who remain unto the coming of the Lord, shall not prevent them who have slept. For the Lord Himself shall come down from heaven, with commandment, and with the voice of an Archangel, and with the trumpet of God; and the dead who are in Christ shall rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, shall be taken up together with them in the clouds to meet Christ, into the air, and so shall we be always with the Lord. Wherefore comfort ye one another with these words.

Absolve, O Lord, the souls of the faithful departed from every bond of sins. V.: And by the help of Thy grace may they be enabled to escape the avenging judgment. V.: And enjoy the bliss of everlasting light.

At that time: Martha said to Jesus, Lord, if Thou hadst been here, my brother had not died: but now also I know that whatsoever Thou wilt ask of God, God will give Thee. Jesus saith to her, Thy brother shall rise again. Martha saith to Him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day. Jesus saith to her, I am the resurrection and the life: he that believeth in Me, although he be dead, shall live; and every one that liveth, and believeth in Me, shall not die for ever. Believest thou this? She saith to Him, Yea, Lord, I have believed that Thou art Christ, the Son of the Living God, who art come into this world.

O Lord Jesus Christ, King of glory, deliver the souls of all the faithful departed from the pains of hell and from the bottomless pit: deliver them from the lion's mouth, that hell swallow them not up, that they fall not into darkness, but let the standard-bearer, holy Michael, lead them into that holy light; which Thou didst promise of old to Abraham and to his seed. V.: We offer to Thee, O Lord, sacrifices and prayers: do Thou receive them in behalf of those souls of whom we make memorial this day. Grant them, O Lord, to pass from death to that life which Thou didst promise of old to Abraham and to his seed.

During the offering of bread and wine, the prayer Deus, qui humanae is said, but the water is not blessed.

Be merciful, we beseech Thee, O Lord, to the soul of Thy servant (or of Thy handmaid) N., for whom we offer to Thee the sacrifice of praise, humbly entreating Thy Majesty: that by this service of pious atonement, he (or she) may deserve to attain to eternal rest. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost . . .

It it truly meet and just, right and for our salvation, that we should at all times, and in all places, give thanks unto Thee, O holy Lord, Father almighty, everlasting God, through Christ our Lord. In whom the hope of a blessed resurrection hath shone forth unto us; so that those who are saddened by the certain lot of dying, may be consoled by the promise of a future deathless life. For to Thy faithful people, O Lord, life is changed, not taken away: and when the home of this earthly sojourn is dissolved, an eternal dwelling place is being prepared in the heavens. And therefore with Angels and Archangels, with Thrones and Dominations, and with all the hosts of the heavenly army, we sing the hymn of Thy glory, evermore saying:

Grant, we beseech Thee, almighty God; that the soul of Thy servant (or handmaid) N., who this day has departed out of this world, being purified by this sacrifice, and delivered from his (or her) sins, may receive both pardon and everlasting rest. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, who liveth and reigneth . . .

At the dismissal, 'Requiescant in pace. Amen.' is said instead of 'Ite, Missa est. or 'Benedicamus Domino.'

The Absolution and Burial

After the Last Gospel the priest arrives at the bier and says:

Enter not into judgment with Thy servant, O Lord; for, save Thou grant him forgiveness of all his sins, no man shall be justified in Thy sight. Wherefore suffer not, we beseech Thee, the sentence Thou pronouncest in judgment upon one whom the faithful prayer of Christian people commends to Thee, to be a doom which shall crush him utterly. Rather succor him by Thy gracious favor, that he may escape Thine avenging justice who, in his lifetime, was signed with the seal of the holy Trinity. Who livest and reignest world without end. R.: Amen.Then is sung the following responsory:

R.: Deliver me, O Lord, from death eternal in that awful day. * When the heavens and the earth shall be moved: * When Thou shalt come to judge the world by fire.
V.: Dread and trembling have laid hold on me, and I fear exceedingly because of the judgment and of the wrath to come.
R.: When the heavens . . .
V.: O that day, that day of wrath, of sore distress and of all wretchedness, that great day and exceeding bitter.
R.: When Thou shalt . . .
V.: Eternal rest grant unto him (her or them), O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him (her or them).
R.: Deliver me . . .
Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
Our Father . . . (silently)

The priest then walks twice round the bier, first sprinkling it with holy water and then incensing it. He proceeds:

V.: And lead us not into temptation.
R.: But deliver us from evil.
V.: From the gate of hell.
R.: Deliver his soul, O Lord.
V.: May he rest in peace.
R.: Amen.
V.: O Lord, hear my prayer.
R.: And let my cry come before Thee.
V.: The Lord be with you.
R.: And with thy spirit.

Prayer.
When the body is not present, the following Prayer is said:

Absolve, we beseech Thee, O Lord, the soul of Thy servant N., that he (or she) who is dead to the world, may live unto Thee: and wipe away by Thy most merciful forgiveness whatever sins he (or she) may have committed in life through human frailty. Through Christ our Lord. R.: Amen.

V.: Eternal rest grant † unto him (her or them), O Lord.
R.: And let perpetual light shine upon him (her or them).
V.: May he (she or they) rest in peace.
R.: Amen.
V.: May his (her or their) soul and the souls of all the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace.
R.: Amen.

While the body is being carried to the grave, the following anthem is sung:

May the Angels lead thee into paradise: may the Martyrs receive thee at thy coming, and lead thee unto the holy city of Jerusalem. May the choir of Angels receive thee, and mayest thou have eternal rest with Lazarus, who once was poor.

In the cemetary the priest blesses the grave if it has not already been blessed, saying the following:

Prayer. -- O God, by whose mercy the souls of the faithful find rest, vouchsafe to bless this grave, and appoint it; and release the souls of all these whose bodies are buried here from every bond of sin, that they may always rejoice in Thee with Thy Saints for ever. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, who liveth and reigneth . . .

The priest sprinkles with holy water and incenses both the body and the grave. Then he says:

Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; because He hath visited and wrought the redemption of His people.
And He hath raised up the horn of salvation to us, in the house of David His servant.
As He spoke by the mouth of His holy Prophets, who are from the beginning.
Salvation from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us.
To work mercy with our fathers: and remember His holy testament.
The oath which He swore to Abraham our father, that He would grant us.
That being delivered from the hand of our enemies, we may serve Him without fear.
In holiness and justice before Him, all our days.
And thou, child, shalt be called the Prophet of the Highest; for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare His ways.
To give the knowledge of salvation to His people, unto the remission of their sins.
Through the bowels of mercy of our God, in which the Orient from on high hath visited us.
To enlighten them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death: to direct our feet in the way of peace.
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord.
And let perpetual light shine upon them.Ant. I am the resurrection and the life: he that believeth in Me, although he be dead, shall live; and every one that liveth, and believeth in Me, shall not die for ever.
Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
Our Father . . .(silently)

V.: And lead us not into temptation.
R.: But deliver us from evil.
V.: From the gate of hell.
R.: Deliver his soul, O Lord.
V.: May he rest in peace.
R.: Amen.
V.: O Lord, hear my prayer.
R.: And let my cry come before Thee.
V.: The Lord be with you.
R.: And with thy spirit.
Let us pray.

Prayer. -- Grant to Thy servant (or handmaid) departed, O Lord, we beseech Thee, this favor, that he (or she) who desired to do Thy will may not receive punishment for his (or her) deeds; and that even as here on earth the true faith joined him (or her) to the ranks of the faithful, so in heaven by Thy mercy he (or she) may have fellowship with the choirs of Angels. Through Christ our Lord. R.: Amen.

V.: Eternal rest grant unto him (or her), O Lord.
R.: And let perpetual light shine upon him (or her).
V.: May he (or she) rest in peace.
R.: Amen.
V.: May his (or her) soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
R.: Amen.

Returning to the place where the priest is to lay aside his vestments, he recites the following psalm:

Out of the depths have I cried unto Thee, O Lord: Lord, hear my voice.
Let Thine ears be attentive to the voice of my supplication.
If Thou, Lord, shoulst mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand?
But there is forgiveness with Thee: because of Thy law I wait for Thee, O Lord.
My soul waiteth on His word: my soul hopeth in the Lord.
From the morning watch even until night let Israel hope in the Lord:
For with the Lord is mercy, and with Him is plentiful redemption.
And He shall redeem Israel, from all his iniquities.
V.: Eternal rest give to them, O Lord.
R.: And let perpetual light shine upon them.Ant. If Thou, O Lord, wilt mark iniquities, Lord, who shall stand it?

Let us pray. -- O God, the Creator and Redeemer of all the faithful: grant unto the souls of Thy Servants and handmaidens the remission of all their sins: that through devout supplications, they may obtain the pardon which they have ever desired. Who livest and reignest . . .

Funeral Mass of the Supreme Pontiffs

Throughout the 20th century up until the Second Vatican Council, the Funeral Rite for a Deceased Pope was virtually identical. As succinctly stated, the Funeral Rite of Pope Leo XIII would have looked nearly identical to the Funeral Rite of Pope John XXIII. According to a Fish eaters poster, "Rubrical changes in 1955 had no affect on the text or rubrics of the Requiem itself. The rubrical changes of 1960 had no affect on the actual Mass itself, only when certain Masses could be said and which and how many collects would be said at these." The poster from Angelqueen - The Saint Lawrence Press - goes further by stating that each Funeral Mass would have slight alternations (e.g. prelatial mourning dress, simplification of pontifical ceremonies, and changes to the Ordo Missae such as tones of voice). However, these minimal changes are nothing in comparison to the shattering changes caused by the Funeral Liturgy created by Pope Paul VI.

At last we arrive to the section pertaining most closely with the laity, namely praying for the souls in Purgatory. We should pray fervently and frequently for the souls in Purgatory. Start by adding the St. Gertrude Prayer to your daily prayers

"ETERNAL FATHER, I OFFER THEE THE MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD OF THY DIVINE SON, JESUS, IN UNION WITH THE MASSES SAID THROUGHOUT THE WORLD TODAY, FOR ALL THE HOLY SOULS IN PURGATORY, for sinners everywhere, for sinners in the universal Church, those in my own home and within my family. Amen."

Our Lord told St. Gertrude the Great that 1,000 souls would be released from Purgatory every time this is said! This prayer has now even been "extended to living sinners which would alleviate the indebtedness accrued to them during their lives."

The words of the eternal and immutable Scriptures should be frequently on our mind as well as our lips. And it is these Holy Scriptures that declare, "It is a holy and a wholesome thought to pray for the dead, that they may be loosed from sins" (2 Maccabees 12:46). Praying for the dead should not only be done in the month of November or on the day of our loved one's burial. We should stop thinking "They are in Heaven" - what a dangerous lack of charity to your relatives, friends, and ancestors departed! The souls in Purgatory need our prayers as they are unable to pray for themselves. Stop believing that all people are immediately saved since many do go to Hell and a great majority of the remaining first go to Purgatory (c.f. Hell: The Dogma of Hell, Illustrated by Facts Taken from Profane and Sacred History by F. X. Schouppe, SJ). Few - very few - souls go straight to Heaven.

Spread this post as far as possible encouraging the laity to pray for the souls in Purgatory and priests to offer prayers and the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass in its traditional Form for the faithful departed.

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